Joel Carstens has been named University Director of Financial Aid at the University of Pennsylvania, effective September 1. Mr. Carstens succeeds William (Bill) Schilling, C’66, L’69, who retired at the end of June after directing Penn’s financial aid for more than 30 years.

Mr. Carstens, who has 21 years of experience in financial aid, was at Princeton University for eight years where he directed the undergraduate financial aid renewal process as well as the Office of Student Employment. He was previously director of financial aid at Massachusetts General’s MGH Institute of Health Professions. While there, he was asked by its president to lead the school’s first integrated systems implementation. He also held progressively responsible positions in financial aid at the College of Visual Arts, Macalester College and Simmons College. Mr. Carstens brings student loan experience, based on his work with the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation and Norwest Student Loans, where he implemented a document imaging system.

“We are thrilled to have a seasoned financial aid professional on board to lead our financial aid programs and continue to support the Penn Compact. We are also excited to have him as part of the leadership team in Student Registration and Financial Services,” said Michelle Brown-Nevers, associate vice president, student services and University registrar.

Mr. Carstens is a member of the board and vice president for external affairs of the National Student Employment Association. He was also a member of NASFAA’s Reauthorization Task Force Advisory Committee, an advisor to the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee, and a member of the committee to Enhance Ethnic Diversity for the Massachusetts Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

He earned a BS in business administration and an MA in educational administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.